Apple is Turning Siri Audio Clip Review Off by Default and Bringing it in House (techcrunch.com) 16
Apple is making changes to the way that Siri audio review, or 'grading' works across all of its devices. From a report: First, it is making audio review an explicitly opt-in process in an upcoming software update. This will be applicable for every current and future user of Siri. Second, only Apple employees, not contractors, will review any of this opt-in audio in an effort to bring any process that uses private data closer to the company's core processes. Apple has released a blog post outlining some Siri privacy details that may not have been common knowledge as they were previously described in security white papers. Apple apologizes for the issue. In a statement, the company said, "as a result of our review, we realize we haven't been fully living up to our high ideals, and for that we apologize. As we previously announced, we halted the Siri grading program. We plan to resume later this fall when software updates are released to our users -- but only after making the following changes..."
Outsourcing Always Seems Like a Good Idea... (Score:1)
...Until the downsides outweigh the upsides.
At least Apple is responding in the best way possible. They aren't trying to minimize or "reassure" their Users that "Everything is a-o.k.". Instead, they are making the whole program an Opt-IN; AND they are getting rid of the "Evil Contractor" factor by bringing the entire process "Inside".
Short of custom AI directly on-Device to "grade" the OTHER custom AI running on-Device (which is no-doubt where they are headed with their ML sub-processor), or simply ditching
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There were no issues for the public about this work being outsourced, from Apple's perspective the problem was whistle blowing.
In some ways this should give you less confidence about the transparency of the operation since Apple rules over its employees with an iron fist. Recall previous stories on Slashdot about the Apple internal security showing up at employees desk and if said employee doesn't consent to security searching their belongings and devices they will be immediately fired and escorted out of t
Re: (Score:1)
There were no issues for the public about this work being outsourced, from Apple's perspective the problem was whistle blowing.
In some ways this should give you less confidence about the transparency of the operation since Apple rules over its employees with an iron fist. Recall previous stories on Slashdot about the Apple internal security showing up at employees desk and if said employee doesn't consent to security searching their belongings and devices they will be immediately fired and escorted out of the building.
You're ridiculous.
I am as personal-privacy loving as anyone here; but an employer with as many valuable Trade Secrets as Apple does, has every right to search their employees' belongings for those secrets.
You're confusing the Government with a Corporation. Their house, their rules. The Fourth Amendment doesn't apply. Don't want your stuff subject to search? Find another job, simple as that!
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I am as personal-privacy loving as anyone here; but an employer with as many valuable Trade Secrets as Apple does, has every right to search their employees' belongings for those secrets.
Your employer does not have the right to search your belongings or personal property. They could refer it to the police who if there were enough evidence could get a warrant to do so.
Why should I trust you? (Score:3)
Please give me one single reason why I should assume that anything changed.
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The SEC frowns upon people making false statements that affect their stock prices. The FTC also frowns upon lying to your customers. If a company of that size outright lies about their plans and actions, there will be consequences.
At least Apple is using clear language that is easy to understand, Facebook and Google have made similar apologies but their lawyers have written their statement in such a way that it can be taken to mean just about anything, including an increase in the practice.
Facebook simply s
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But, at the end of the work week, the only change is WHO is listening to the recordings, and whether or not they (nominally) had a way to say no.
Is someone who works for Apple that much more trustworthy than someone who works for a company that works for Apple? Has Apple NEVER had an employee breech customer trust?
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Yeah, we've seen how Facebook was crushed by the FTC after being caught red handed. And then again when they were caught again. And then again...
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Finally some competition over privacy? (Score:2)
It'll be interesting to see what Google does.
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You think Apple doesn't collect information and build profiles about its users to try to maximize the amount of shit they can sell them? Heck, there was even a court case filed about Apple selling itunes data - https://www.zdnet.com/article/... [zdnet.com]
You can ALLEGE anything in a Complaint. Doesn't make it true. At all.
Only if they're caught (Score:2)
In house? (Score:2)
That is, Apple will say it's in house with security and privacy in place. And we all will trust it.
Yes, please!
I wish them the best of luck (Score:2)
..with my "Hey Siri, how's the weather outside?'
365 times a year.
Apple is Turning Siri Audio Clip Review Off by Def (Score:1)